May 28, 2019 – West Virginia University at Parkersburg awarded certificates, associate and bachelor’s degrees to spring 2019 graduates during commencement held Saturday, May 11, 2019, in the College Activities Center. This semester, the college graduated 272 students from nine states.

Academic honors were awarded to those graduates who attained a 3.50-3.749 grade point average, cum laude; 3.75-3.99, magna cum laude; and 4.0, summa cum laude. The WVU Parkersburg graduates included:

CALHOUN COUNTY – Arnoldsburg: Brittany Cottrell, AAS, BOG;

Grantsville: Sandra Jones, CAS, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Carleigh Walker, AAS, Nursing;

DODDRIDGE COUNTY – West Union: Emerald Canavati, CAS, AAS, Criminal Justice; Hannah Cox, AAS, Nursing; Christopher Hileman, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Shannon Pierce, CAS, AAS, Criminal Justice;

HARRISON COUNTY – Clarksburg: Zachary Sandy, BAT, Cum Laude;

JACKSON COUNTY – Cottageville: Tyler Hartley, CAS, AAS, Criminal Justice;

Evans: Alie Donohew, AAS, Nursing; Brian Franklin, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Emily Goodwin, AA, General Education, and BA, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude;

LeRoy: Sydney Casto, AA, General Education, and BA, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude;

Millwood: Tiffany Bever, AAS, BOG; Taylor Bowen, CAS, Legal Studies; Ashley Mellinger, AAS, Nursing; Tristan Miller, CAS, Electricity & Instrumentation, and AAS, Multi-Craft Technology; Toby Wagoner, RBA, Cum Laude;

Ravenswood: Jacob Adkins, RBA; Isaac Akers, CAS, Industrial Maintenance; Alex Anderson, BAS, Business Administration; Nathanael Flesher, CAS, Electricity & Instrumentation, CAS, Industrial Maintenance, and AAS, Multi-Craft Technology, Magna Cum Laude; Cristin Miller, BA, Elementary Education; Colton Rhodes, BAS, Business Administration; Kanaan Stevens, CAS, Electricity & Instrumentation, and AAS, Multi-Craft Technology, Magna Cum Laude;

Ripley: Deborah Burge, CAS, AAS, Business Technology, and AAS, Business Administration; Mattia Goodrich, RBA; Katelyn Hess, AA, General Education, and BA, Elementary Education; Monique Hitt, AAS, Nursing; Melissa Hughart, AAS, Nursing; Jerry McKee, BAT; Morganne Pauley, AAS, Nursing, Cum Laude; Emilia Summers, AAS, Nursing;

Sandyville: Michael Holmes, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Ryan Whytsell, BAT;

KANAWHA COUNTY – Charleston: James Pennington, BS, Nursing, Cum Laude;

LOGAN COUNTY – Amherstdale: Tracy Amburgey, CAS, Child Development;

MARION COUNTY – Fairmont: Edward Rothwell, RBA, Cum Laude;

MASON COUNTY – Evans: Sabrina Holley, RBA;

Leon: Emily Keefer, CAS, AAS, Business Administration;

Letart: Janae Cundiff, BA, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Thomas Hollyday III, AAS, Computer Science; Jeff Jodon, BS, Nursing;

New Haven: Lauryn Fields, CAS, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude;

MERCER COUNTY – Princeton: Amanda Thompson, BAS, Child Development;

MORGAN COUNTY – Hedgesville: Derek O’Donnell, BAT;

PLEASANTS COUNTY – St. Marys: Amanda Eddy, BAS, Business Administration; Alexander Tawney, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Cari Weekley, CAS, AAS, Business Administration;

PUTNAM COUNTY – Hurricane: Michelle Kuhn, BAS, Child Development, Summa Cum Laude;

RANDOLPH COUNTY – Norton: Sallie Hamrick, BS, Nursing;

RITCHIE COUNTY – Ellenboro: Morgan Reilly, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude;

Harrisville: Regina Flesher, RBA;

Pennsboro: Alexander Gilliland, CAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Caitlyn Hudnall, AAS, Nursing;

Petroleum: Leslie Davis, BS, Nursing;

Smithville: Chelsea Ayers, BAS, Communication & Media Studies – Public Relations, Magna Cum Laude; Jamie Frymier, CAS, AAS, Criminal Justice;

ROANE COUNTY – Reedy: Ken Love, BAS, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude;

Spencer: April Myles, AAS, Nursing; Baylee O’Brien, AA, General Education, and BA, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude; Jennifer O’Brien, CAS, Paraprofessional PreK-12, and CAS, AAS, Child Development, Cum Laude; Meghan Sinclair, AA, General Education, and BA, Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude;

TYLER COUNTY – Middlebourne: Rebecca Wright, CAS, Paraprofessional PreK-12, and AAS, Child Development;

Sistersville: Melanie Pettus, BAS, Criminal Justice;

WETZEL COUNTY – New Martinsville: Melissa Beegle, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude;

Paden City: Travis Leonard, AAS, Drafting;

WIRT COUNTY – Elizabeth: Megan Donaldson, CAS, Business Administration, and RBA; Nicole Hays, CS, AS, Business Administration; Melissa Isaacs, BAS, Business Administration; Catherine Merrill-Board, RBA, Cum Laude; Tori Powell, CAS, AAS, Business Technology; Darrin Roberts, AAS, Business Administration; Casey Sims, CAS, AAS, Business Administration; Shannon Stanley, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Kaitlyn Thompson, AAS, Strategic Communication, Magna Cum Laude;

Palestine: Casey Martin, CS, AS, Business Administration; Tonya Morrison, BAS, BS, Business Administration, Cum Laude;

WOOD COUNTY – Belleville: Benjamin Life, AAS, Computer & Information Technology;

Davisville: Naddine Border, RBA; James Carpenter, CAS, AAS, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude; Stephanie DeBerry, AAS, Nursing; Heather Deuley, AAS, Child Development, Cum Laude; Zachary Elkins, CAS, AAS, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude; Justen Small, AAS, BOG, Summa Cum Laude;

Mineral Wells: Krishna Black, RBA; Zoë Bookman, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Fallyn Buffington, CAS, AAS, Criminal Justice, Summa Cum Laude; Kayla Cook, CAS, Business Administration; Amber Davis, BAS, BS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Rebekah Hogsett, AAS, Nursing; Thomas Kerns, CAS, AAS, Business Administration; Christopher Mastrorocco, AAS, BOG; Robert Moore, BAT; Alexis Rice, CAS, Business Administration; Seanna Shearer, BS, Nursing; Joseph Smith, BAS, Business Administration;

Parkersburg: Leea Armstrong, AAS, Child Development; Haley Barber, AAS, Nursing; Brian Belcher, AAS, Computer Science; Kali Bell, AA, General Education; Daniel Bennett, CAS, Chemical & Polymer Operator Technology, and AAS, BOG; Justin Bosley, CAS, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Allison Burchard, AAS, BOG, Cum Laude; Meredith Burris, AAS, BOG; Morgan Carez, AA, General Education; Amy Cass, CAS, Business Administration; Christopher Cavanagh, CAS, Welding, and AAS, Welding Technology; Adam Colunga, AAS, Nursing; Rachel Cunningham, AAS, Nursing; Sabrina Deem, BA, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Seneca Donahue, CAS, AS, Business Administration; Jessica Fluharty, CAS, AAS, Child Development; Amanda Gandee, CAS, Business Administration; Serena Graham, AAS, AS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Crystal Green, AAS, Nursing; Cassandra Hammel, AAS, Business Administration; Lauren Harpold, BAS, Business Administration; John Harvey, AAS, Nursing; Michael Howell, CAS, Electricity & Instrumentation, and AAS, Multi-Craft Technology, Magna Cum Laude; Lee Johnson, CAS, Welding; Kelsey Kiser, CAS, General Business, and AAS, BAS, Business Administration; Megan Lamb, AAS, Nursing; Paige Leasure, CAS, AAS, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude; Branden Lemon, AAS, Legal Studies, Magna Cum Laude; Kimberly Lipscomb, AA, General Education, and BA, Multi-Disciplinary Studies, Cum Laude; Teresa Longfellow, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Ashley Lott, AAS, Legal Studies; Katreena Matheny, AAS, Business Technology, Terry McDonald, CAS, AAS, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude; Wesley Mendoza, CAS, AAS, Legal Studies; Preston Metzger, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Cody Monroe, CAS, Workforce Skills, and CAS, Business Administration; Jeffrey Moyers, CAS, Electricity & Instrumentation, and AAS, Multi-Craft, Technology; Catherine Newman, CAS, AAS, Business Administration; Sharon O’Neill, RBA, Magna Cum Laude; Sammantha Oglesby, RBA; Blessing Onianwa, AAS, Nursing; Tia Opel, BA, Multi-Disciplinary Studies; Daniel Palmer, CS, AS, BS, Business Administration; Briana Patton, CAS, Criminal Justice; Alexander Pino, AAS, Drafting; Victoria Poellot-Tauber, AS, Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude; Joshua Posey, AAS, Computer & Information Technology, Cum Laude; Anthony Province, AS, General Education; Lacey Prunty, CAS, Criminal Justice; Trentin Rempel, BS, Business Administration; Jason Rhodes, BAS, Business Administration; Cassidy Roberts, CS, AS, BS, Business Administration; Eric Showen, AAS, Nursing; Alexander Sidwell, AAS, Computer Science, Cum Laude; Justine Smith, AA, General Education, Cum Laude; Ryan Stanley, AAS, Drafting; Ronald Sturm, AAS, Business Administration; Austin Sweeney, CAS, AS, Business Administration; Kacie Taylor, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Robert Taylor, AS, Business Administration; Chana Tepe, BS, Nursing; Shelby Thomas, AAS, Criminal Justice; Sheree Townsend, AAS, Criminal Justice; Meloney Victory, BAS, Business Administration; Stacey Westfall, AAS, BOG; Ryan Willis, BS, Nursing, Cum Laude; Sandipa Wolfe, CAS, BAS, BS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Austin Wright, AAS, Computer & Information Technology; Jason Young, CAS, AAS, Business Administration;

Rockport: Caleb Greathouse, CAS, Welding, and AAS, Welding Technology;

Vienna: Tierney Aldridge, CAS, AAS, BAS, Business Administration; Sarah Anderson, RBA; Julia Blair, AAS, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude; Katelin Flinn, BAS, Child Development; Gage Foutty, CAS, Residential & Commercial Electricity; Aleea Gray, AAS, Nursing; Eryn Gray, AAS, BOG; Sarah Hitt, CAS, BAS, Business Administration; Taylor Hoover, AAS, Nursing; Kara King, RBA; Nicole Landis, AA, General Education, and BA, Elementary Education; Sara Latham, AAS, BOG; Brianna Luther, CAS, AAS, Business Administration; Tyler Malm, CAS, Digital Communication, and AAS, Journalism; Evan McEwuen, AAS, BOG; Jared Mugrage, BAS, Supervisory Management; Qasem Murad, AAS, Business Technology; Dennis Romine, RBA; Alexandria Stoops, BS, Nursing; Joseph VanClief, AAS, BOG; Elizabeth Waters, CAS, BAS, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude; Hannah Winans, CAS, Business Technology, and BAS, Business Administration;

Walker: Adrianne Cale, BS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Katie Hudkins, AS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Mariah Stansberry, CAS, AAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude;

Washington: Ethan Bird, BAS, Business Administration; Jessica Blaski, RBA, Magna Cum Laude; Russell Bunner, BAS, Communication & Media Studies – Strategic Communication; Ryan Dean, CAS, Welding, AAS, Welding Technology, and AAS, Multi-Craft Technology, Magna Cum Laude; Brittany Dils, AAS, Business Administration; Jennifer Erb, BAS, Business Administration; Ethan Floyd, AS, General Education; Michelle Griggs, CAS, Business Administration; Patsy Karr, RBA; Robert  Shank, AAS, BOG; Isabella Stoops, AA, General Education, and BA, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Samantha Suggs, CAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Julia Watson, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Regina Westfall, CS, BS, Business Administration; Brady Whipkey, AAS, BOG; Shianne Winters, BAS, BS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude;

Waverly: Mary Hammons, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Scott Holbert, BAS, Communication & Media Studies – Strategic Communication; Katelyn Radabaugh, AAS, Nursing; Logan Rhodes, AA, General Education;

Williamstown: Victoria Galyean, CAS, AAS, Legal Studies; Benjamin Harris, BAT; Hannah Jordan, AA, General Education, and BA, Elementary Education, Cum Laude; Stephanie Marshall, BS, Nursing; Mahkayla Queen, CAS, AAS, BAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude;

OHIO – Beavercreek: Janine Gross, CAS, AAS, Child Development;

Belpre: Lisa Campbell, BS, Business Administration; Tracy Maston, CS, AS, Business Administration; Taylor Plaugher, BA, Elementary Education;

Caldwell: Joshua Thompson, RBA;

Coal Run: Matthew Barton, BA, Elementary Education;

Coolville: Melissa Graham, CAS, AAS, Business Administration;

Gallipolis: Jessica Campbell, BS, Nursing;

Kimbolton: Stephany Jacobs, AAS, BOG;

Little Hocking: Sherri Brownrigg, AAS, BOG, Magna Cum Laude; Mikael Hinton, AAS, Computer Science;

Pomeroy: Nadezhda Moore, BS, Nursing;

Malta: Meschelle Thompson, RBA;

Marietta: Weslee Apshaga-Meaux, CAS, Welding, and AAS, Welding Technology, Magna Cum Laude; Eric Clark, CAS, Residential & Commercial Electricity, Cum Laude; Robin Hoffmann, AAS, BOG; Megan Ludwig, AAS, BOG; Tiffany Roberts, CAS, AAS, BAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Zachary Roberts, BAT; Heather Statler, RBA, Cum Laude;

Stockport: Amy Pinkerton, BS, Nursing;

Stoutsville: Ashleigh Ansel, BAS, Child Development;

Vincent: Lawrence Bays, CAS, Industrial Maintenance, and AAS, Multi-Craft Technology; Melissa Grady, AAS, BOG;

Wheelersburg: Christopher Johnson, AAS, Occupational Development;

COLORADO – Denver: Mark Lanier II, BS, Nursing;

FLORIDA – Winter Garden: Tremayne Battle, RBA;

 GEORGIA – Midway: Maryah Patterson, AAS, BOG;

OKLAHOMA – Atoka: Eric Morris, AAS, Occupational Development;

SOUTH CAROLINA – Columbia: Joshua Byers, BAS, Business Administration;

TEXAS – Edinburg: Robert Abrego, AAS, Occupational Development;

VIRGINIA – Goode: Kevin Smith, AAS, Occupational Development, Magna Cum Laude;

Stephens City: Tiffany Conklin, BS, Nursing.

May 21, 2019 – Working through the Go Baby Go project, West Virginia University at Parkersburg and Wood County Technical/Caperton Center students remodeled four battery-powered kid-sized cars for children who experience limited mobility. The students presented the cars to families and one area school on Monday, May 20, during a ceremony at the Caperton Center for Applied Technology.

Founded in 2012, Go Baby Go is a national outreach program that provides children with disabilities the opportunity for movement, mobility and socialization through modified ride-on cars. This is the third year Wood County Technical/Caperton Center students participated in the project. Combined, nine families have been helped through the local outreach effort.

By partnering with local physical and occupational therapists, students were able to discuss with therapists the needs of each individual child and how to make needed and helpful customizations for each.

“One of the cars will help occupational therapists while they work with children at Martin Elementary School,” said Steve Freshour, Wood County Technical/Caperton Center math instructor. “The vehicle even has LED under car lighting that matches their school colors.”

This year, WVU Parkersburg students in the computer embedded systems class helped achieve the goal of creating joystick-controlled cars. Three cars are outfitted with joystick control using Arduino and Servo motors, and the fourth uses a 3D printed push-button accelerator. Proximity sensors were also installed to alert children when they are getting close to an object while driving.

“It is amazing to see our students’ work become a therapy tool that will help children experience independent mobility,” said Freshour. “The hardest part of being a student is the constant learning and not being able to see the end of what you’re doing. With this, they see the power of education and the positive impact they can make.”

Contact Steve Freshour at safreshour@k12.wv.us for more information.

May 20, 2019 – With more young adults considering careers in the technology industry, West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Workforce and Economic Development Division, in partnership with FirstEnergy, is offering two summer academies focusing on inspiring and engaging teenagers through hands-on learning in computer science and 3D printing.

The first program to take place is Teen Tech Academy, running July 8 – 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The academy will allow attendees to gain practical experience with various software and equipment while providing the opportunity to learn more about the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field and possible careers.

“We have the ability to nurture the future of the technology with these students,” said WVU Parkersburg Workforce and Economic Development Director Michele Wilson. “We aim to help build a generation of technologists by introducing them to many possible careers, and allowing them access to new learning opportunities and mentorship.”

Teen Tech Academy class topics include: assembling a Raspberry Pi (RPI) laptop kit, Python programming, interfacing the world with RPI sensors and motors, web development, building an Internet of Things (IOT) device and entrepreneurial thinking. Students will also take home their own RPI laptop.

For individuals interested in the revolutionary process of 3D printing, the 2019 Teen 3D Printing Academy will allow students to have fun through creativity, be inspired by technology and problem solving, and take their skills into the world. The academy will take place July 15 – 18, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily.

Teen 3D Printing class topics include: introduction to 3D printing, printer components and functions, building a 3D printer, exploring the printing process (slicing, Cura and printer settings), how 3D printing can be used in various fields of study and 3D printer troubleshooting. At the academy’s conclusion, attendees will receive a 3D printer.

Partnering with WVU Parkersburg and providing grant funding for the teen academies, FirstEnergy supports non-profit organizations within its service areas to promote interest in computer and science education. FirstEnergy also provides workforce advancement with professional development through community leadership and volunteerism, as well as economic development and revitalization efforts.

Class size is limited, and the deadline to register for the Teen Tech and Teen 3D Printing academies is June 17 and 24 respectively.

Visit www.wvup.edu/community-ed for more information or to register. Contact wed@wvup.edu or 304-424-8383 with any questions.

May 17, 2019 – West Virginia University at Parkersburg honored 51 students, seven faculty and staff members, as well as area businesses and community members, during its annual Honors Ceremony held on May 3, 2019, in the college activities center. The event was sponsored by United Bank.

“As West Virginia’s Bank, United Bank was pleased to support WVU Parkersburg as it recognized those who made an outstanding impact at the university this year. These exceptional award recipients fuel the ongoing success of our community,” said United Bank Market President Patrick Bryan. “As the largest publicly traded company headquartered in West Virginia, we are committed to strengthening the viability of our communities and supporting those who share that mission.”

Dr. Chris Gilmer and Michele Wilson, WVU Parkersburg president and Workforce and Economic Development Division executive director respectively, presented the Partner of the Year award to WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center. This award recognizes a collaborative effort in which WVU Parkersburg will provide a customized 17-month leadership training program to 120 leaders within the WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center organization to help meet workforce development needs.

Dr. Keith Gaskin, vice president for Institutional Advancement at WVU Parkersburg and President and CEO of the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, also presented the college’s first Philanthropist of the Year award to Mary “Mickey” Welch for her longtime support of WVU Parkersburg. In 2009, she endowed a scholarship to aid young students or students who are parents of young children, and this year she made an additional $50,000 gift providing scholarships for students enrolled in certificate and associate degree programs. Welch’s daughter Mary Anne Ketelsen, president of Mr. Bee Potato Chip Company and WVU Parkersburg alumna, accepted the award on her behalf.

The 2019 – 2020 Student Government Association members were also sworn in at the conclusion of the event.

The complete list of award winners includes:

Partner of the Year

WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center

Philanthropist of the Year

Mary “Mickey” Welch

Leadership Fellows Awards

Caroline Affolter

Chase Baker

Julia Blair

Jordan Bowman

Mara Eisenbarth

Samantha Farnsworth

Leah Harvey

Nealy Locke

Allison Ostrowski

Acacia Smith

Academic All American Team – Phi Theta Kappa Sigma Omega Chapter

Justin Bosley

Fallyn Buffington

Brittany Sword

Advisor Award

Marie Butler

Art Awards

Hannah Faber

Sabrina Miller

Tristan Opel

Melody Shearlock

Trevor Tallman

Excellence in Media and Communications

Sarah Weeks

Dottie Bibbee Student of the Year

Brooke Buchanan

Service to WPKM

Jonathan Mattingly

WPKM Outstanding DJ

Callie Lyons

Outstanding Anatomy and Physiology Student

Caroline Affolter

Outstanding Lab Technique

Jennifer Kersey

Outstanding Biology Students

Kalina Johnston

Kimberly Lipscomb

Great Lab and Classroom Leadership

Deric Allen

Courtlyn Williams

ADN Student of the Year

Eric Showen

RN-to-BSN Student of the Year

Sherry McCay

Outstanding Surgical Technology Student

Megan McFee

Outstanding Community Volunteer Award

Corey Casdorph

Samantha Good

Allison Hurst

Hannah Ray

Leadership Award

Justin Bosley

Outstanding Business Student

Austin Grimmett

Service Excellence Award

Tonya Morrison

Collegiate Honor Choir

Tony Province

Philip Wilson

College Chorale

Tony Province

Edie Tidd

Jacob Tuley

Philip Wilson

Kappa Delta Pi Presidents

Baylee O’Brien

Brittany Sir

Outstanding Teacher Candidates

Kayla Norman

Madison Pierce

Career Services Awards

Justin Bosley

Russ Bunner

Austin Grimmett

Miranda Reed

Meloney Victory

Early College Student of the Year

Ashley Powell

Early College Excellence

Eva Cartmel

Madison Suszek

Outstanding Early College Student

Philip Wilson

Faculty of the Year, Parkersburg Campus

Andrew Walker

Faculty of the Year, Jackson County Center

Rebecca Tucker

Adjunct Faculty of the Year, Parkersburg Campus

Freda Bradley

Adjunct Faculty of the Year, Jackson County Center

Veronica Barron

Staff of the Year, Parkersburg Campus

Jolene Sink

Staff of the Year, Jackson County Center

April Philbrook

Student Government Association Executive of the Year

Justin Bosley

Student Government Association Senator of the Year

Anthony Perry

Tutor of the Year

Justin Bosley

Student Organization of the Year

Media and Communication Club

“It is said, ‘Those who do the work, do the learning.’ The students, faculty, staff and community members we recognized proved they’ve done the work and advanced the learning at WVU Parkersburg,” said Chad Crumbaker, WVU Parkersburg vice president of academic and student affairs. “The Honors Ceremony is a great way to wrap up the academic year and show how proud we are of the achievements and contributions of so many.”

May 15, 2019 – West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s online bachelor’s degree in child development program was recently ranked as one of the top 40 in the nation by TheBestSchools.org.

The website reviews and ranks all accredited schools in the U.S. on criteria ranging from academic excellence, the strength of faculty scholarship, reputation, financial aid, range of degree levels and strength of online instruction methodology.

WVU Parkersburg offers a highly flexible and accommodating online program for those interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in child development. Through a career ladder approach, students can move seamlessly from a one-year certificate to a two-year associate degree and then on to a four-year bachelor’s degree without losing any credits along the way.

Among other recent accolades, the SR Education Group ranked the program as the most affordable in the nation for the second consecutive year. The rankings represent online schools across the nation that are committed to providing quality eLearning, low-cost online bachelor’s degrees in child development.

“I’m very proud of our child development program at WVU Parkersburg,” said Dr. David Lancaster, professor, and chair of the Education Division, WVU Parkersburg. “Under the leadership of Christi Calvert, the program has continued to improve in quality every semester. Now we have the most affordable child development program in the country with one of the top academic ratings. What a tremendous combination.”

Students from West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia are currently pursuing or have completed the online degree program through WVU Parkersburg.

For more information about WVU Parkersburg’s child development program, visit www.wvup.edu or contact Christi Calvert at 304-424-8000 ext.430 or christi.calvert@wvup.edu.

May 11, 2019 – West Virginia University at Parkersburg held its spring nursing pinning ceremony on Saturday, May 11, at 1:30 p.m., in the College Activities Center. This year, a total of 23 students were honored, having completed graduation requirements for the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree at WVU Parkersburg.

The ceremony is a time-honored nursing school tradition in which faculty members present each graduate with a pin. The pinning is followed by a candle lighting and recitation of the “Florence Nightingale Pledge,” a vow of ethics and principles. Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, received the Red Cross of St. George in the 1860s for her service during the Crimean War. In return, she presented a medal of excellence to her top nursing students to acknowledge their academic merit.

“The pinning ceremony is more than just a tradition, it is a recognition of every student’s hard work and dedication to their studies and a life of service to others,” said Kathy Frum, WVU Parkersburg Nursing and Health Sciences chairperson.

The ceremony included greetings from Frum; Chad Crumbaker, Academic and Student Affairs vice president, and nursing program graduate Eric Showen. Melissa Montgomery, MHA, BSN, RN and Chief Administrative Officer at Selby General Hospital Memorial Health System, served as the guest speaker.

Spring 2019 nursing graduates include:

Haley Barber

Adam Colunga

Hannah Cox

Rachel Cunningham

Stephanie DeBerry

Alie Donohew

Aleea Gray

Crystal Green

John Harvey

Monique Hitt

Rebekah Hogsett

Taylor Hoover

Caitlyn Hudnall

Melissa Hughart

Ashley Mellinger

Megan Lamb

April Myles

Blessing Onianwa

Morganne Pauley

Katelyn Radabaugh

Eric Showen

Emilia Summers

Carleigh Walker

Visit www.wvup.edu/nursing for more information on WVU Parkersburg nursing and health science programs.

May 11, 2019 – West Virginia University at Parkersburg held its spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the College Activities Center. The college awarded 244 certificate and associate degrees as well as 114 bachelor’s degrees to 272 students this semester.

Dr. Chris Gilmer, WVU Parkersburg president, gave the opening remarks and introductions. In his message to graduates, he encouraged them to use their education for the greater good, hoping their mentors at WVU Parkersburg helped them along life’s journey.

“The vision of this university is to be the region’s premiere college, recognized for quality education, commitment to student empowerment, workforce collaboration and community involvement,” said Gilmer. “I hope we have taught you not with our words, but with our deeds, modeling for you the behaviors of good citizenship.”

Sharon O’Neill, the state’s eldest community and technical college graduate presented the commencement address.

O’Neill, born Feb. 6, 1936 in Parkersburg, holds many life experiences as she was a single mother of five children, and witnessed many monumental events including the JFK assassination, the Civil Rights Movement and World War II. Each challenge and change O’Neill met, she conquered with a belief in herself and encouraged graduates to do the same.

“Think of what you have accomplished. Each of you have met challenges of various kinds, and you still may be facing them,” said O’Neill. “But say to yourself, ‘I conquered those challenges…I will conquer whatever I need to.’”

O’Neill received a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree with a 3.83 GPA.

Distinguished commencement guest Chad Shealy, superintendent of the Vicksburg Warren School District in Vicksburg, Miss., also gave graduates words of encouragement. Shealy is a first-generation college graduate and credits the sacrifices of past family generations for his current accomplishments.

“Higher education is always so important to all of those who made it possible for me, even though life never allowed them to obtain one for themselves,” said Shealy.

Passing on guidance to the graduates himself, Shealy also challenged them to embrace their unique purpose in life stating, “There are many graduates before you that participated in a commencement ceremony much like yours today. However, there has never been another you, and there will never be another you. That is an awesome truth to consider; that you have something to offer that no one else will be able to provide.”

Also during commencement, WVU Parkersburg recognized Andrew Walker as the Bernard P. McDonough Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year. Walker, an assistant professor of criminal justice, received his Masters of Science in Criminal Justice from Marshall University and is currently a PhD candidate in Social and Behavioral Science from West Virginia University. He is also the advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa Sigma Omega Chapter honor society and student criminal justice organization on campus.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg and its community of graduates, visit www.wvup.edu. Fall classes are now enrolling for those interested in becoming a graduate too. Call 304-424-8310 or visit our campus for more information.

May 7, 2019 – The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Board of Governors will meet Wednesday, May 8. The meeting will take place at 3:15 p.m. in the Francis and Nina Phares Board Room (room 1300A) on the main campus.

Visit  www.wvup.edu/about/board-of-governors/agendas/ to view the complete agenda.

May 7, 2019 – Three members of West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Sigma Omega chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society were formally recognized as All-West Virginia Academic Team members during a formal ceremony held at the state capitol on April 30.

Justin Bosley, Fallyn Buffington and Brittany Sword were formally named to the 2019 All-West Virginia Academic Team during the ceremony held at the Governor’s Mansion. West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice presented each recipient with a medallion and certificate of recognition. Bosley, one of 24 state recipients chosen for the honor this year, was selected to share how Phi Theta Kappa and WVU Parkersburg directly benefited his life.

Bosley, who serves as the Sigma Omega chapter president, will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration degree with a concentration in financial management. He plans to continue his education at West Virginia University in pursuit of an MBA degree.

Buffington, the chapter public relations officer, will graduate in May with an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. She anticipates completing her Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice in fall 2019.

Sword, the chapter secretary/treasurer, is working toward a Bachelor of Applied Science in Legal Studies and expects to complete her studies in spring 2021.

Phi Theta Kappa, two-year college presidents, and community college state associations co-sponsor All-State Academic Team recognition programs in 39 states. Each two-year college in West Virginia may nominate two students per campus to the All-USA Academic Team. West Virginia students nominated to the national team are generally named to the All-State Academic Team.

Students are selected for membership in the All-West Virginia Academic Team based on outstanding academic performance and service to the college and community.

“These honorees represent some of WVU Parkersburg’s best and brightest students,” said Marie Butler, Phi Theta Kappa Sigma Omega chapter advisor for WVU Parkersburg. “I am extremely proud of each of them.”

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is the largest honor society in higher education with 1,250 chapters across the United States, Canada and Germany. Membership to PTK is by invitation only and extended to students meeting specific eligibility criteria. To be eligible for membership, currently enrolled students must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and completed a specific number of credit hours, depending upon their degree program.

Participating in the ceremony were (from left to right): WVU Parkersburg Sigma Omega chapter advisor Marie Butler; Honoree Justin Bosley; West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice; Honoree Brittany Sword; Honoree Fallyn Buffington; and WVU Parkersburg Sigma Omega chapter advisor Andrew Walker. (Photo by Steven Rotsch)

May 2, 2019 – The state’s oldest community and technical college graduate will be the commencement speaker for West Virginia University at Parkersburg at its 48^th annual spring ceremony on Saturday, May 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the College Activities Center.

Sharon O’Neill, 83, of Parkersburg, is the eldest community and technical college graduate since the inception of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System in 2004. She will join 265 graduates of WVU Parkersburg this semester. O’Neill will complete a Regents Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in history.

“I am one of those who has a bucket list, and coming to WVU Parkersburg was at the top of that list,” O’Neill said. “It is very important to receive as much education as you can to better yourself and provide a better life for you and your family.”

Before attending WVU Parkersburg, O’Neill worked as a Wood County Board of Education secretary and retired with 34 years of employment from the Bureau of Fiscal Service. O’Neill lives by the motto of the three C’s: Can’t, Change and Challenge. She advises that individuals cannot let bad or painful experiences stop them from being who they really are; change is to be accepted and everyone must challenge themselves to go above and beyond what is required of them to truly succeed.

“Many people have had a bad childhood and adolescence. The scars don’t go away, but like all scars, you need to accept them and go forward. You cannot let the scars stop you from being the person that you really are,” she said.

O’Neill warns of the change younger generations will experience in their lifetime. The world has evolved since she was 20 years old, and everyone needs to be adaptable to an evolving environment as she has.

Many events in American history inspired a change in her life. The attack on Pearl Harbor happened when she was just five years old. She and her step-grandmother were washing dishes after Sunday dinner. The radio was on, and all of a sudden, the attack was announced. Her startled grandmother dropped one of the cups to their Haviland china set. Her grandfather was a small town business owner. He rigged two large radios together and set them outside of his storefront. This way, any passersby would be able to stay up-to-date on the tragedy.

“Pearl Harbor happened on a Sunday, and the president’s speech happened that Tuesday. People walking by on the streets would crunch together so they could hear every bit of news while shopping,” O’Neill said.

As a grown woman, she experienced the Kennedy assassination and the Civil Rights Movement.

“I will have to say that speech, ‘I Have a Dream,’ is one of the greatest speeches of the 20th century. We should all have a dream for our children, and we should all want to judge people by the content of their character,” O’Neill said of the Civil Rights movement. “It changed my attitude, and it made me aware that we had to make a change.”

She committed to another change when she went back to college at WVU Parkersburg, as did several other students.

This semester, WVU Parkersburg plans to award 350 certificate, associate and bachelor’s degrees to 265 students, pending final grades. More than 120 students are planning to participate in the ceremony.

At this commencement, WVU Parkersburg will also announce the Bernard P. McDonough Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year, and award emeritus status to past faculty and staff. Nominations for the Bernard P. McDonough Outstanding Faculty Member are from the campus community and submitted based on an individual’s contribution in service to the students, institution, community, and for professional activities and personal growth.

Spring 2019 emeritus award recipients include:

• Pam Braden, professor of marketing and management, following 39 years of service;

• Dina Braniff, program assistant II, following 29 years of service;

• Julie Heller, associate professor in nursing and health sciences, following 15 years of service;

• Jeffrey Scott, financial aid counselor, following 40 years of service;

• Jim Haines, press operator II, following 40 years of service;

• John Gorrell, WVU Parkersburg Jackson County Center dean, following 22 years of service;

• Pamela Clevenger, administrative associate, following 27 years of service; and

• Rebecca Scarberry, program assistant II, following 17 years of service.

Annually, the college awards an outstanding alumnus. This year, a young alumnus will also be recognized.

Alumni of the Year, James E. “Jimmy” Colombo, is the former mayor of Parkersburg, current Wood County Commissioner and landmark restaurant owner. He attended WVU Parkersburg until 1964 when he transferred to Marietta College to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree. He was appointed by then Governor Joe Manchin to the West Virginia Parole Board in 2010. Colombo is a long-time supporter of and benefactor to WVU Parkersburg, including his establishment of the James B. and Anna M. Colombo scholarship fund.

Young Alumni of the Year, Jonathan Kirk Heath, is a 2013 magna cum laude graduate of WVU Parkersburg with a Board of Governors Associate of Arts and Regents Bachelor of Arts degrees. Kirk also graduated from the West Virginia University College of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence concentrating in international law. He currently serves as a magistrate with the 31st Judicial District in the Commonwealth of Virginia and will receive a graduate certificate in Advanced International Affairs from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University this spring.